Cesium

Cesium is a chemical element with the symbol Cs and atomic number 55. It is a soft, silvery-gold alkali metal with a melting point of 28.5°C (83.3°F), which makes it one of only five elemental metals that are liquid at or near room temperature. Here is a study guide to help you understand cesium better:

Physical Properties of Cesium:

• Atomic number: 55
• Atomic mass: 132.91 u
• Phase at room temperature: Liquid
• Melting point: 28.5°C (83.3°F)
• Boiling point: 671°C (1,240°F)
• Density: 1.93 g/cm³

Chemical Properties of Cesium:

• Reactivity: Cesium is highly reactive and reacts explosively with water, so it must be handled with caution.
• Flame test: When cesium is burned, it produces a characteristic blue flame.
• Corrosion: Cesium can corrode metal and glass, even at room temperature.

Uses of Cesium:

• Cesium atomic clocks are used in scientific research and in global navigation systems like GPS.
• Cesium compounds are used in the drilling and exploration of oil and gas.
• It is used in the production of catalysts for organic synthesis.

Health and Safety:

Cesium and its compounds should be handled with care due to their high reactivity. Exposure to cesium can be hazardous and should be avoided.

Now that you have a basic understanding of cesium, you can further explore its properties and applications in various fields of science and technology.

[Cesium] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• Elements and the periodic tableScience • Seventh Grade
• Elements, mixtures and compoundsScience • Fifth Grade